Definition of Federal Emergency Management Agency

Federal Emergency Management Agency: Better known as FEMA, an agency of the US government dedicated to rapid response to disasters, both man-made and natural ones (such as floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes). FEMA provides financial assistance to individuals and governments to rebuild homes, businesses, and public facilities; trains firefighters and emergency medical professionals; and funds emergency planning throughout the US.

FEMA was created in 1979 through an executive order of President Jimmy Carter to organize into a single agency emergency management programs spread throughout the federal government. Originially an independent agency. FEMA became part of the new Department of Homeland Security in 2003.